• Presentation by Ann Treacy, Treacy Information Services
• Facilitated by Bill Coleman, Community Technology Advisors
• Panelists:  Mike Bjerkness, Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation
• Mark Erickson, City of Winthrop
• Dave Hengel, Greater Bemidji, Inc.
• Neela Mollgaard, Red Wing Ignite

Check out the report – Measuring Impact of Broadband in 5 Rural MN Communities

Hear about five rural Minnesota communities that are using world-class, ubiquitous high-speed broadband to make a difference in their communities. They are growing and attracting businesses.  Retirees and talented workers are choosing to make these communities home. Economic developers are implementing strategies centered on knowledge workers and innovation creating unique and effective community brands. These communities are doing it right, combining great broadband networks with smart economic development strategies. Instead of attempting to plan for the future, these places are planning from the future – realizing and seizing opportunities.

Learn what we have observed – on site and through data – about the positive things happening in connected Greater Minnesota. Community leaders will share stories that will inspire others to continue their pursuit of advanced technology adoption over robust broadband networks. These stories showcase the tremendous potential being unleashed from investments in rural broadband.

And the news of the report turned us all around…

Thanks to CTEP worker Brandon Phan for his notes:

• “it’s not about the $$, it’s about the quality of life
• Ability for people to work remotely while on vacation à impact on quality of life
• “when someone can work anywhere, where would they choose to live”
• Med School opening in 2019 in Sibley County
• Sibley experiencing some serious innovation
  • 2^nd highest median income, lowest% of college degrees
• with broadband, a home can increase its value by 3%
• “we need providers to build for the future, not today”
• Creating a culture of use w/ internet is so important à sustainability

11:15am Panel Discussion

• 47 entrepreneurs use the Launchpad in Beltrami County for the space and broadband
• Med school coming to Sibley in large part thanks to fiber, broadband
• Question is how to attract people to come to Brainerd for work…going beyond just the tourism reputation
• Gamin presence in Brainerd growing…broadband!
  • There’s more than just hunting, fishing, vacation destination (perceptional issue)
• The 3 B’s
  • Breweries, broadband, and bicycles
    • “a brewery signals you have a funky town”